Chelsea star among two ‘already discussed’ by Ten Hag and Man Utd

Dan Butterfield
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger

Erik Ten Hag has already discussed two future signings for Manchester United, including a Chelsea defender.

Ajax boss Ten Hag is expected to join the club as permanent manager in the summer after reaching an agreement with the Red Devils earlier this week.


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Any official announcement will have to wait until after this upcoming weekend’s Dutch Cup final which will see his Ajax side take on PSV Eindhoven.

Many names have been linked with the club in recent weeks as Ten Hag prepares to rebuild the club following another disappointing season.

United have made it five consecutive season without a major trophy after failing in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup already.

They still have an outside chance of making the top four, but remains behind both Arsenal and Tottenham in the race to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

It is now being reported by the Daily Mail (via Daily Express) that two names have already been mentioned by Ten Hag to the United hierarchy as possible reinforcements to be brought in.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is the first star linked with a move to Old Trafford after a stellar season for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The Germany international has been consistent on the left side of a back three but is yet to sign a new deal with the club.

The Blues are currently unable to offer new terms due to the sanctions placed on them following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and, at present, it doesn’t appear that he will re-sign at Stamford Bridge.

The likes of Barcelona and Juventus have been linked, but it would now appear that Rudiger is wanted by United’s manager-to-be Ten Hag.

The second name linked with a move is Jurrien Timber, who currently plays under Ten Hag at Ajax.

United’s defensive frailties have been exposed this season with summer signing Raphael Varane struggling with injuries, captain Harry Maguire struggling for form and manager Ralf Rangnick struggling to pick his first choice full-backs.

20-year-old Timber has been a first-team regular for Ten Hag over the past two seasons and could look to follow his fellow Dutchman to Old Trafford.